Gaelic Park is proud to assemble such a wonderful list of family activities.
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NEW THIS YEAR: Irish Cultural Tent - The Irish Culture Tent is an exciting new addition to the weekend, with a great selection of musical, cultural, historic, & educational exibits. Some will be on display during the entire weekend, and othe will be scheduled during specific time slots to allow for a more "class-like" setting. The specific time schedules will be posted in the tent.
Stop by and enjoy any or all of the following:
- an exhibition on Irish music on display all weekend long and hosted by The Irish Music Archives, dedicated to promoting and preserving Irish music in all its art forms.
- history and demonstrations of Ceili music
- Ireland's most famous export is Guinness and you can learn all about "the blonde in the black dress" and see how to pour the perfect pint
- an Irish Genealogy session with ways and means to check out your roots
- a demonstration of Aran knitting, that unique hand knitting style started on the three Aran Islands
- an introduction to Gaelige, the native Irish language. Learn about the lands and people who still speak it as their first language
- information on each of the eight different native Irish dog breeds
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NEW THIS YEAR: Irish Bred Conemara Ponies - These beautiful ponies will be on display in the area by the children’s playground and the volunteer garden on Monday, May 26 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Connemara Ponies are a breed of sports horse that are known for their resilience, gentle disposition and excellence in hunting and jumping. These ponies were brought to the mountainous terrain of Connemara by the Ancient Clets who were experienced horsemen. The Connemara Pony is considered Ireland's only native breed of horse.
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Some great activities for the kids! |
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Thrilling Carnival Midway with Unlimited Rides - All of the carnival rides are included in your admission price. Spectacular Midways attractions include the Fun Slide, Umbrella Rides, Bumping Cars, Fire Ball, Carousel, Pharaoh's Fury, and much more!
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Children's Petting Zoo & FREE Pony Rides The petting zoo will also provide a wonderful opportunity to ride a pony and see and touch some wonderful farm animals up close.
Children's Entertainment Tent complete with jugglers, clowns, magic shows and puppet shows such as Sham-Rock Magic Show, Patty O’ Furniture…Stand Up Magic, The Wizard of Wonder, Harry O’ Deeny Magic, Bunny McGee’s Hare Raising Magic and many more.
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Red Hair & Freckle Face Contest - is open to all kids ages fourteen and younger with the prestigious Red Hair & Freckle Face Contest Trophy awarded to the winner.
Bonnie Baby Contest - is the chance to showcase your beautiful baby. This contest is open to newborn babies to toddlers fourteen months old. The winner will be awarded the Bonnie Baby Trophy. |
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And plenty more for the whole family |
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Returning for the Second Annual Irish Dog Exhibition - showcasing the 9 recognized Irish breeds including the Irish Setter with its shiny mahogany coat, the Irish Water Spaniel first bred in the 1800’s, the Irish Water Spaniel first bred in the 1800's, The intelligent and active Irish Terrier, the Irish Wolfhound the national dog of Ireland for over 2,000 years, the extremely rare Kerry Beagle, the Glen of Imaal Terrier from the Wicklow Mountains, the Irish Terrier originating from Cork and one of the oldest breeds, the Kerry Blue Terrier that has been bred for over 100 years, the Wheaten Terrier one of the oldest terriers and the Red and White Setter, the true Irish Setter. All of the breed contestants will participate in a parade after the exhibition throughout Irish Fest for all to see.
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Gaelic Athletic Association Football Match - The G.A.A. an international amateur athletic association fosters and promotes Irish culture, and in particular, sports. Throughout the summer months, the games of Hurling and Football are played every Sunday here at Gaelic Park. On Saturday, May 24, there will be a Junior C Hurling match with Chicago vs. Indianapolis at 2.00pm. On Sunday May 25, the Chicago Youth Football will take to the field in a football match at 2.00pm and the Chicago Youth Hurling at 3.00pm.
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Theatre Productions - The Performing Arts Stage is located in the main building just off the patio. Local performers include Gaelic Park’s own Gaelic Park Players. Additionally, top theatre performances, will be given by Milwaukee Irish Arts, Alsip Players, Standby Productions and many more. Click here for complete listing of date, times, & performances.
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Irish Dance Schools - In keeping with favorite family traditions, once again the local Irish Step Dancing Schools will be performing. Among the dance schools performing will be Cross Keys School of Irish Dancing, Lavin – Cassidy, Mullane, Dennehy and many more. |
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Irish Pipes and Drums and Ceili Music - Irish Pipes and Drums & Ceili Music: Both the Shannon Rovers Pipe Band and the Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society will be performing. New to the Ceili line up this year is the Four Provinces Ceili Band, as well as the return of The Woodford Ceili Band and The Irish Musicians of Chicago. |
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Food, Refreshments, & Shopping Option Abound |
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Food and Refreshments - include Villa Rosa Pizza, Winston’s Sausage, Tropical Ice, Twist-N-Shake, Gourmet Delights, Coach's Catch and more.
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Beer and Pop - as in the past, Gaelic Park will offer a very nice selection of beverages to choose from. The beer tents will have Miller, Miller Lite, Guinness, Bass Ale, . The pop tents will have , , , and bottled water.
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The Irish Tea Room - will return for a third year encore performance. Stop in for a rest and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Irish tea, home made Irish soda bread and scones.
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The Irish Import Stores Mall - The Irish shopping mall is a hit with both young and old, come rain or shine. The wide variety of goods for sale is a dream come true for the shopping enthusiast with vendors coming form many different states e.g. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas and New York as well as many locals from ILL. Among the stores are: Ann’s Irish Knits IL, Celtic Crests NH, Ballyea Jewelry IL, Murray’s Irish House AZ, Faivus Studio NY, Celtic Exchange PA, Blarney Celtic Market Place IL, Copper Art Canada, Tradewinds Antiquities TX and many more. Click here for our complete list of Irish Import Stores. |
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...AND MUCH MORE |
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** Please Note: Schedule Subject To Change **
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